Chiefs, people in Balaka lament AIP

Traditional leaders and their subjects in Balaka district have bemoaned how Affordable Input Program is rolling as most of the areas have received rains

They lamented at an interface meeting organized by Citizen and Development Organization to seek solutions from responsible officers on the challenges ordinary citizens are facing in the program

They expressed worry that many of them have not bought the inputs after spending many days at the selling points

In his remarks chairperson of the organization Sheikh Yusuf Stande urged the Ministry to address the challenges in December for the farmers to benefit from the program within a reasonable time

According to AIP coordinator from Balaka district agriculture office Samson Chinkhadze over 30 percent of beneficiaries accessed the inputs last week

Chinkhadze said despite network problems two contracted suppliers have not shown up leaving some areas with less or no supply

At the same function Balaka district council chairperson Michael Chauluka promised to speed up the Program for farmers to timely benefit